Vasoactive effects and free radical generation by β-amyloid peptides

Abstract

A method is disclosed for treating and preventing diseases, wherein at least one of the causes of the disease is β-amyloid peptide induced change in free radical production resulting in vascular endothelial dysfunction and vasoactivity, by antagonizing vascular free radicals in excess of functional equilibrium.

We claim: 
     
       1. A method of inhibiting the vasoactive effects of β-amyloid peptides by exposing vessel to a modifier of superoxide formation prior to exposure of the vessel to a amyloid peptide. 
     
     
       2. A method according to claim 1 further including the step of modifying the vasoactive effect by exposing the vessel to a modifier of superoxide anion formation. 
     
     
       3. A method according to claim 2 further defined as exposing the vessel to a superoxide dismutase enzyme prior to said exposing step. 
     
     
       4. A method according to claim 1 further defined as exposing the vessel to a member of the group consisting essentially of β-amyloid antagonists, antioxidants, free radical scavengers and nitric acid donors. 
     
     
       5. A method of inhibiting vasoconstriction and neurodegeneration by antagonizing β-amyloid peptide induced vascular free radicals in excess of functional equilibrium by antagonizing vascular free radicals in excess of function equilibrium. 
     
     
       6. A method according to claim 5, wherein said antagonizing step is further defined as inactivating the free radical excess. 
     
     
       7. A method according to claim 5, wherein said antagonizing step is further defined as antagonists of superoxide anions consisting essentially of superoxide dismutase and compounds which enhance NO production. 
     
     
       8. A method to identify patients at risk for Alzheimer's Disease (AD), said method comprising the steps of: 1) measuring peripheral blood flow in a patient;   2) administering a vasodilator;   3) measuring peripheral blood flow in response to the vasodilator in the patient;   4) identifying patients in which the vascular resistance is greater than in matched controls thereby distinguishing those at risk for Alzheimer's Disease (AD).   
     
     
       9. A method as set forth in claim 8 including the step of simultaneously monitoring oxygen contents in the blood.